Adjustable gas block

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of adjustable gas block devices and methods of using the same are described. In one embodiment, an adjustable gas block device includes a gas block to communicate gas from a gas port in a barrel to a gas tube. The adjustable gas block may also include an orifice ring to select one of a plurality of preset gas flow settings for controlling the flow of gas between the barrel and the gas tube. Additionally, the adjustable gas block may include a spring ring to retain the orifice ring setting.

FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to firearm accessories, and more specifically, to embodiments of adjustable gas blocks and methods for using the same.

BACKGROUND

Firearms come in a variety of types and styles. One of the most commonly used firearm types is a repeat-fire design that feeds cartridges from a magazine into the chamber of the firearm without manual feed operation. Repeat-fire designs include semi-automatic and automatic variants. In many repeat-fire weapons, explosive gases from firing a cartridge are used to cycle the cartridge feed mechanism, which often includes a bolt, a bolt carrier group, and a spring for biasing the bolt in a predetermined position. Examples of such firearms include, but are not limited to, AR-15 style hunting and sporting rifles and M16 automatic military style rifles. Repeat-fire weapons often include a ported barrel and a gas block assembly coupled to a gas port in the ported barrel for communicating expanding gases within the barrel to a gas tube, which communicates a portion of the expanding gas to the bolt carrier assembly for cycling the cartridge feed mechanism. The volume of gas and rate of flow of gas communicated through the gas tube depends upon the size of the gas port, or depends upon constriction of the gas port from the gas block assembly.

For some environmental conditions or circumstances, the volume and rate of flow of the discharged gas may need to be adjusted. Additionally, use of different types of ammunition may require changing the volume and rate of flow of the discharged gases. Furthermore, use of suppressors may also require the changing of the volume and rate of flow of the discharged gases. With current solutions to this scenario, or others similar to it, changing the entirety of the gas block assembly may be required. Alternatively, the use of a specialized tool may be required to adjust the gas block body, and therefore the volume and rate of flow of the discharged gas.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following drawings form part of the present specification and are included to further demonstrate certain aspects of the present invention. The invention may be better understood by reference to one or more of these drawings in combination with the detailed description of specific embodiments presented herein.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an adjustable gas block assembly with a barrel of a firearm.

FIG. 2. is an exploded view of one embodiment of an adjustable gas block assembly with a barrel of a firearm.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of one embodiment of an adjustable gas block assembly.

FIG. 4 is a top view of one embodiment of an adjustable gas block assembly with a barrel of a firearm.

FIG. 5 is a cross-section view of one embodiment of an adjustable gas block assembly with a barrel of a firearm.

FIG. 6 is a perspective functional view diagram illustrating operation of one embodiment an adjustable gas block assembly with a barrel of a firearm.

FIG. 7 is a cross-section view illustrating a path of fluid flow through one embodiment of an adjustable gas block assembly with a barrel of a firearm.

FIG. 8 is a schematic flowchart diagram illustrating one embodiment of a method for operating an adjustable gas block.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view diagram illustrating one embodiment of a gas block body.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view diagram illustrating one embodiment of a gas block body.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view diagram illustrating one embodiment of a gas blockbody.

FIG. 12 is a side view diagram illustrating one embodiment of a spring ring.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view diagram illustrating one embodiment of a spring ring.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view diagram illustrating one embodiment of a spring ring.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view diagram illustrating one embodiment of an orifice ring.

FIG. 16 is a top view diagram illustrating one embodiment of an orifice ring.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view diagram illustrating one embodiment of an accessory mounting system.

FIG. 18A is a front view diagram illustrating one embodiment of an accessory mounting system.

FIG. 18B is a front view diagram illustrating one embodiment of an accessory mounting system.

FIG. 18C is a front view diagram illustrating one embodiment of an accessory mounting system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various features and advantageous details are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known starting materials, processing techniques, components, and equipment are omitted so as not to unnecessarily obscure the invention in detail. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and the specific examples, while indicating embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, and not by way of limitation. Various substitutions, modifications, additions, and/or rearrangements within the spirit and/or scope of the underlying inventive concept will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure.

Embodiments of adjustable gas blocks, and associated assemblies and methods of operating the same, are described. In an embodiment, an adjustable gas block may include a gas block to communicate gas from a gas port in a barrel to a gas tube. Additionally, the adjustable gas block may include an orifice ring to select one of a plurality of preset gas flow settings for controlling the flow of gas between the barrel and the gas tube. The adjustable gas block assembly may also include a spring ring to retain the orifice ring setting.

In an embodiment a method of operating the adjustable gas block may include adjusting an orifice ring coupled to a gas block to one of a plurality of preset gas flow settings for controlling flow of gas between a gas port in a barrel and a gas tube, retaining the orifice ring setting with a spring ring. The figures described below illustrate various embodiments of adjustable gas blocks and methods for operating the same.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view diagram illustrating an embodiment of a gas block assembly 106 for use with a firearm (not shown). The gas block assembly 106 may be adjustable to provide a variable gas flow rate for cycling the firearm. In one embodiment, the gas block assembly 106 may be secured to a barrel 102 of the firearm. A gas tube 104 may be received by the gas block assembly 106. In an embodiment, a gas tube 104 may include materials such as metals, metal alloys, or the like. A gas tube 104, may communicate a portion of the discharged gas from the barrel 102 to a bolt carrier assembly (not shown), which may cycle a cartridge feeding mechanism. Embodiments of firearms may include semi-automatic sporting or hunting rifles, automatic military rifles, or other weapons that utilize ejection gases for cycling and loading projectiles from a magazine.

In an embodiment, a gas block assembly 106 may redirect a portion of discharged gas into the gas tube 104. A gas block assembly 106 may be made from a variety of metals, metal alloys, or the like. A gas block assembly 106 may be machined using lathes, milling machines, or the like. Alternatively, components of the gas block assembly 106 may be manufactured from stamped metal, cast metal, or the like.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view diagram illustrating a barrel 102. In an embodiment, the gas block assembly 106 may include multiple components configured to fit concentrically with the barrel 102. An embodiment of the gas block assembly 106 is illustrated in FIG. 3. During installation, the gas block assembly 106 may be slid into place along a longitudinal axis of the barrel 102. The gas tube 104 may also be fit to engage the gas block assembly 106. In an embodiment, the gas tube 104 may be pinned to the gas block assembly 106 before the gas block assembly 106 is installed on the barrel 102.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the gas block assembly 106. In an embodiment, the gas block assembly 106 may include a gas block body 306 to communicate gas from a gas port in a barrel 102 to the gas tube 104. Additionally, the gas block assembly 106 may include an orifice ring 302 to select one of a plurality of preset gas flow settings for controlling the flow of gas between the barrel 102 and the gas tube 104. The gas block assembly 106 may also include a spring ring 304 to retain the orifice ring setting.

FIG. 4 is a top view diagram illustrating the gas block assembly 106. A section line for FIG. 5 is taken along the longitudinal axis. FIG. 5 is a cross-section view illustrating the gas block assembly 106 on a longitudinal axis about the barrel 102. In an embodiment, set screws 504 secure the gas block assembly 106 to the barrel 102. In an embodiment, a portion of the discharged gases traveling through the bore 502 are directed through the gas port 506 as further illustrated in FIG. 7. In an embodiment, the amount of discharged gases is reduced due to the gases travelling through the orifice ring 302 and are ejected into the gas tube 104 through gas tube inlet 508.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view diagram illustrating a method of operation of one embodiment of the gas block assembly 106. The gas block assembly 106 may be operated by adjusting the orifice ring 302. In one embodiment, adjusting the orifice ring 302 may include rotating the orifice ring 302 around a longitudinal axis defined by a length of the barrel 102. In one embodiment, the orificering 302 further comprises a plurality of adjusting detents 604 for adjusting a setting of the orifice ring 302. In one embodiment the plurality of adjusting detents 604 are configured to be adjustable by a tip of a bullet. In one embodiment rotating the orifice ring 302 is performed by inserting a tip of a bullet into one of a plurality of adjusting detents 604 in the orifice ring 302 and applying a rotational force to the orifice ring 302. Although FIG. 6 is depicted with a bullet as the leverageable object 602 for adjusting the orifice ring 302, one of ordinary skill will recognize that a variety of other objects may be used to adjust the orifice ring 302. For example, a screw driver, a tip of a knife, or even turned by hand. Indeed, one benefit of the described embodiments is the fact that the orifice ring 302 may be adjustable by a variety of readily-available objects found in various fields of operation.

FIG. 7 is a cross-section view diagram illustrating a projectile 706 as it is fired through the bore 502 of the barrel 102. In an embodiment, gases 702 traveling through the bore 502 propelling the projectile through the bore 502 of the barrel 102. A portion of the gases 702 may be redirected through a gas port 506 in the barrel 102, as shown by redirected gases 704. A variable size gas port aperture in the orifice ring 302 may restrict the flow of the redirected gases to a specified flow rate as shown by constricted gases 708. The constricted gases 708 may flow through the gas tube 104 back to the operating mechanisms of the firearm.

In an embodiment, a barrel 102 may guide a projectile 706 out of the bore 502. A barrel 102 may be manufactured from a variety of metals, metals alloys, or the like. In an embodiment, a barrel 102 may be machined using a boring device, such as a lathe, gun drill, or the like.

FIG. 8 illustrates one embodiment of a method 800 of operating the adjustable gas block. In an embodiment, the method 800 includes adjusting an orifice ring coupled to a gas block to one of a plurality of preset gas flow settings for controlling flow of gas between a gas port in a barrel and a gas tube as shown at block 802. The method 800 may also include retaining the orifice ring setting with a spring ring as shown at block 804. In some embodiments, adjusting the orifice ring includes rotating the orifice ring around a longitudinal axis defined by a length of the barrel. Rotating the orifice ring may be performed by inserting a tip of a bullet into one of a plurality of adjusting detents in the orifice ring and applying a rotational force to the orifice ring.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a gas block body 306 which may be a component of the gas block assembly 106. In one embodiment, the gas blockbody 306 may include a gas tube aperture 902 configured to receive the gas tube 104. In an embodiment, a gas tube pin 904 secures the gas tube 104 to the gas block body 306. In an embodiment, the gas blockbody 306 may include a first spring ring notch 906 and a second spring ring notch 908 that may secure the spring ring 304 in place. One embodiment may include a barrel receiving surface 910 of gas block body 306 that receives the barrel 102 when the gas block body 306 is slid onto the barrel 102. In one embodiment, a lower rail portion 912 of gas block body 306 may be included. A lower rail portion 912 of gas block body 306 may allow for the attachment of lasers, bayonets, flashlights, and other attachments known to one of ordinary skill. In alternative embodiments, the gas block assembly 106 may be entirely or partially concealed by a hand guard, or the like. Still other embodiments may be implemented, including those illustrated in and described with relationship to FIGS. 17-18C.

FIG. 10 is another perspective view of a gas block body 306 which may include a gas port receiving aperture 1002 configured to receive gas from a gas port 506. In an embodiment, the gas block body 306 may also include a first lower rail portion aperture 1004 and a second lower rail portion aperture 1006 for receiving the set screws 504 to fasten the gas block body 306 to the barrel 102. FIG. 11 is another perspective view of an embodiment of FIG. 10 illustrating the gas block body 306 from an alternative angle.

FIG. 12 is a side view diagram of one embodiment of a spring ring 304 that includes a spring ring detent 1202 configured to engage an orifice ring detent 1506. In one embodiment, a spring ring 304 may also include an engaging feature 1204 a and an engaging feature 1204 b that may be configured to engage the spring ring notch 906 and the spring ring notch 908 to retain the orifice ring 302 setting. FIG. 13 is a perspective view diagram illustrating one embodiment that may include the plurality of engaging features comprising of the engaging feature 1204 a and the engaging feature 1204 b. FIG. 14 is a bottom view diagram illustrating of an embodiment of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is perspective view diagram illustrating one embodiment of an orifice ring 302 that may include adjusting detents 604 that allow adjustment of the variable size gas port apertures 1504. In an embodiment, the variable size gas port apertures 1504, when adjusted, allow for differing volumes and rates of gas flow for use of suppressors and a variation in ammunition. In an embodiment, the orifice ring 302 may include orifice ring detents 1506 that allow for the securing and locking of the orifice ring setting when engaged with the spring ring detent 1202.

FIG. 16 is a top view diagram illustrating the differing sizes of the variable size gas port apertures 1504 a-1504 d. Each setting of an adjusting detent 604 may set a corresponding setting of a gas port aperture 1504. For example, adjusting the orifice ring 302 with the adjusting detents 604 to a setting of 1, may correspond to the smallest gas port aperture 1504 a. A setting of ‘2’ may correspond to a second gas port aperture 1504 b, etc.

FIG. 17 illustrates one embodiment of a gas block body 306 with an attached or integrated accessory mounting system 1702. In one embodiment, the accessory mounting system 1702 is a picatinny rail system configured according to military specifications. As illustrated in FIGS. 18A-18C, various configurations of the accessory mounting system 1702 may be implemented, including embodiments where the accessory mounting system 1702 is positioned on a top surface of the gas block body 306 as shown in FIG. 18A, on the top and bottom as shown in FIG. 18B, or on sides as shown in FIG. 18C. One of ordinary skill will recognize a variety of accessory mounting systems 1702, including sling mounts, clip-in mounts, screw-in mounts, and the like, which may also be included within the scope of the present embodiments.

Although the invention(s) is/are described herein with reference to specific embodiments, various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention(s), as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention(s). Any benefits, advantages, or solutions to problems that are described herein with regard to specific embodiments are not intended to be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature or element of any or all the claims.

Unless stated otherwise, terms such as “first” and “second” are used to arbitrarily distinguish between the elements such terms describe. Thus, these terms are not necessarily intended to indicate temporal or other prioritization of such elements. The terms “coupled” or “operably coupled” are defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically. The terms “a” and “an” are defined as one or more unless stated otherwise. The terms “comprise” (and any form of comprise, such as “comprises” and “comprising”), “have” (and any form of have, such as “has” and “having”), “include” (and any form of include, such as “includes” and “including”) and “contain” (and any form of contain, such as “contains” and “containing”) are open-ended linking verbs. As a result, a system, device, or apparatus that “comprises,” “has,” “includes” or “contains” one or more elements possesses those one or more elements but is not limited to possessing only those one or more elements. Similarly, a method or process that “comprises,” “has,” “includes” or “contains” one or more operations possesses those one or more operations but is not limited to possessing only those one or more operations. 

1. An apparatus, comprising: a gas block to communicate gas from a gas port in a barrel to a gas tube; an orifice ring to select one of a plurality of preset gas flow settings for controlling the flow of gas between the barrel and the gas tube; and a spring ring to retain the orifice ring setting.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the orifice ring further comprises a plurality of adjusting detents for adjusting a setting of the orifice ring.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the plurality of adjusting detents are configured to be adjustable by hand.
 4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the plurality of adjustable detents are configured to be adjusted by a tip of a bullet.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an accessory mounting system coupled to the gas block.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the spring ring comprises one or more spring ring protrusions configured to retain the spring ring in place relative to the gas block.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the gas block comprises one or more notches configured to receive the spring ring protrusion.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the orifice ring further comprises a plurality of orifice ring detents configured to retain the orifice ring in a selected position relative to the gas block.
 9. A method, comprising: adjusting an orifice ring coupled to a gas block to one of a plurality of preset gas flow settings for controlling flow of gas between a gas port in a barrel and a gas tube; and retaining the orifice ring setting with a spring ring.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein adjusting the orifice ring further comprises rotating the orifice ring around a longitudinal axis defined by a length of the barrel.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein rotating the orifice ring is performed by inserting a tip of a bullet cartridge into one of a plurality of adjusting detents in the orifice ring and applying an rotational force to the orifice ring.
 12. The method of claim 9, wherein the orifice ring is adjustable by hand. 